The whole damn movie

Where earlier versions of the Batman movies, whether filmed in Chicago, New York or elsewhere, took great pains to mask their true settings in favor of a stylized Gotham, director Christopher Nolan didn’t even bother with the box-office sensation “The Dark Knight.” Gotham was simply Chicago, barely in costume. The city looked terrific, with dozens and dozens of recognizable local spots, from LaSalle Street to Navy Pier to the then-unfinished Trump building. The city in “street clothes” didn’t seem to be a problem, either, as “The Dark Knight” not only set box-office records, but was perhaps the most critically acclaimed installment yet, topping the Tim Burton’s classic series debut and garnering chatter about a Best Picture Oscar nom.

Audience choice
Lower Wacker Drive

Audience Comments: “Brachs candy factory explosion”; “Batman riding through the metra station”; “Spotting a sign for the Lyric Opera on a Gotham street.”

Best of Chicago 2008

Heath Ledger in full Joker costume

While the crew of “Batman: The Dark Knight” was in town filming over the summer, some locals were lucky enough to spot Christian Bale or other cast members. Typically a Hollywood heartthrob, Heath Ledger, in his full Joker get-up, roamed our streets as a reminder that he’s not just paid to look good. In fact, he looked pretty creepy, but it was refreshing to get a glimpse of the process done right in our backyard. Cue the “Brokeback Circus” jokes.

Best of Chicago 2007